Disney is Closing the Tower of Terror — Here’s Why

Imagining the Tower of Terror closing is like something out of The Twilight Zone.

The opening of a new ride or attraction at amusement parks such as Disneyland, Disney World, or Universal Studios is an exciting moment, but it’s bittersweet when the new beginning comes at the expense of an old favorite.

Earlier today, Disneyland’s California Adventure Park stripped “The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror” of its signature sign, signaling the coming end of the ride as we know it — which was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con back in July of this year.

However, don’t fret too much, as the ride itself will not be torn down. Instead, it will be transformed into a “Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout!” ride that offers a similar experience. It will feature guests helping Rocket the raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper in the film) rescue his Guardians friends from The Collector’s display cases. Like the original ride, this one is described as having a “breathtaking free fall sensation” with “visual and audio effects.”

Lovers of ‘70s music will be delighted to know that the attraction’s familiar 1930s tunes will now be replaced by some of the funky songs featured in the film.

Thus far, the public reaction has been somewhat negative — unsurprising, considering the fact that the general public usually hates change and nostalgia is all the rage right now. (Even though the California version only opened in 2004.) In fact, when the concept art was first unveiled at Comic-Con, audience members reportedly booed.